just realized, for a few grand more you can get a CT5-V.... or a CT4-V for LESS, both RWD platforms with available awd..... and both massively faster (on paper) than this, I think BMW is already behind. They better have some killer lease incentives if they want to compete.

just realized, for a few grand more you can get a CT5-V.... or a CT4-V for LESS, both RWD platforms with available awd..... and both massively faster (on paper) than this, I think BMW is already behind. They better have some killer lease incentives if they want to compete.

I am not a fan of the 235i and would NEVER purchase one. But you are making an unfair comparison. The 235i is a much smaller can than either of the Cadillacs you mention.

just realized, for a few grand more you can get a CT5-V.... or a CT4-V for LESS, both RWD platforms with available awd..... and both massively faster (on paper) than this, I think BMW is already behind. They better have some killer lease incentives if they want to compete.

But Cadillac can't shake their "old person" stigma, much the same as Volvo. The younger generation have 0% interest in getting a Caddy, they'd rather try and flex with the roundel.

I meant it more in the way of size\performance per dollar. What does the m235i GC offer that other vehicles dont? Nothing really except a higher price tag and worse driving dynamics.

How do you know that from seeing online pix and making generalizations from descriptions, unless you’ve already driven it on the street and track??

Many people want a smaller can than a G20, something like an E46, and this model could fit that market. Im already driving this platform in my X2m35i and its great, and im coming from an F80 and have just as much fun driving this platform...no its not as fast ofcourse, but no one uses the power of an M anyway on the street so the point is moot, as this platform and engine is quick and planted and Id expect the car with its lower ride hight to be fun... no i dont care about anyones bs about the awd based on fwd, its completely meaningless for the driving I use the car for. So while I dont know if id buy one until i see it in the metal and sit in it, im not just disposing it based on bs claims of the platform than no single person here has driven yet

I think to a lot of folks it is the fact that they are calling it a 2 series car. If they called it a one series, everyone would probably be fine with it.

Eh, well not us 1 series owners!

We own RWD cars w/ straight 6's in them (in the US, at least). Movement to FWD and 4-pots don't get us excited either. We don't gravitate to our cars because they were cheap (they weren't) but because they were small and in many respects outside of the M3 (and later of course, 1M, and oh all right maybe M5, etc.) they were the best handling / most fun bimmers you could buy. At least for the dollar.

I think I tend to agree though, now that the 1-er evolved into a 2-er and left an open slot, it might make more sense there than anywhere else.

I think BMW is building for the masses and hoping no one notices the changes (i.e. FWD, 4 cyl, etc.).

How do you know that from seeing online pix and making generalizations from descriptions, unless you’ve already driven it on the street and track??

Many people want a smaller can than a G20, something like an E46, and this model could fit that market. Im already driving this platform in my X2m35i and its great, and im coming from an F80 and have just as much fun driving this platform...no its not as fast ofcourse, but no one uses the power of an M anyway on the street so the point is moot, as this platform and engine is quick and planted and Id expect the car with its lower ride hight to be fun... no i dont care about anyones bs about the awd based on fwd, its completely meaningless for the driving I use the car for. So while I dont know if id buy one until i see it in the metal and sit in it, im not just disposing it based on bs claims of the platform than no single person here has driven yet

We owned a Countryman S all4 with the haldex awd (earlier generation but same operational envelope) and for grandpa driving it was fine, but when pushed the fwd biased awd system could not deliver in helping neutralize the handling shortcomings of being fwd biased, either in the dry, wet or snow. Now, if BMW where smart they would have at least pushed to have a similar system to what the focus RS has or what the 2020 CLA45 has, which can route a lot more power to the rear. That is a compromise I can live with. In all honesty the looks of the car is growing on me, but the drivetrain is whats scaring me off.

I hear these halidex comments often but im telling you that whatever bmw and M did with the new setup negates any noted comments ive read about, as i say i have this platform and its fun and lively and quick and really good handling in the X2 setup so I have every confidence that a small lowered saloon will handle even better.

All im saying to all naysayers is atleast give it a chance and get some real drive time behind the wheel before we crucify them. We put the mighty M brand on that angelic pedastal, well they tuned the car and put the badge on the car, its not a full M but it will not be crap either, lets have a bit of faith in the brand. If at the end of the day it drives like sh*t and handles like sh*t, and all agree this to be the case, well then bmw and m performance will lose all credibility and that has more far reaching implications for the future of all m cars. I tend to think they will surprise most and it will live up to an m performance brand values.
We shall see.

The Audi S3/RS3 seem like much nicer, more compelling buys. This car from the front 3/4 angle just screams corolla/Sentra. No bueno.

On looks I'll give you that. Performance, RS3 big ole hell yeah (but much higher price tag). However the S3 is as boring to drive as it is to listen to. At least this sounds like a sporty car should. Drive can't tell you, but people seem to have had fun in it.

I meant it more in the way of size\performance per dollar. What does the m235i GC offer that other vehicles dont? Nothing really except a higher price tag and worse driving dynamics.

How do you know that from seeing online pix and making generalizations from descriptions, unless you've already driven it on the street and track??

Many people want a smaller can than a G20, something like an E46, and this model could fit that market. Im already driving this platform in my X2m35i and its great, and im coming from an F80 and have just as much fun driving this platform...no its not as fast ofcourse, but no one uses the power of an M anyway on the street so the point is moot, as this platform and engine is quick and planted and Id expect the car with its lower ride hight to be fun... no i dont care about anyones bs about the awd based on fwd, its completely meaningless for the driving I use the car for. So while I dont know if id buy one until i see it in the metal and sit in it, im not just disposing it based on bs claims of the platform than no single person here has driven yet

Excellent post.

I've an M135i coming in 3 weeks. Test drive was superb, cracking car for the modern day.

Mostly Bimmerpost is losing its mind thinking the M235i is the new 2 series or an M2 replacement. It's not and there's a whole new shiny G series RWD coming to replace that.

It's all quite apparent what quite a few "enthusiasts" think of this car. However there are those that will buy it...like the performance. And maybe even the styling. So instead of focusing and repeating ugly or whatever how about its performance and other things. After market wheels intakes and tunes if applicable. It will sell and many will like it. Piling on its ugly or is fwd ..how dare bmw wont change anything. BMW is making it and will continue to do so and pitching to them on a blog wont change it!